Delivering exceptional
services for commercial vehicles

Since 1982 Motor Accident Group has endeavoured to
refine and perfect every aspect of the collision repair process.

Motor Accident Group is committed to delivering exceptional services for commercial vehicles. Our state-of-the-art spray booth ensures superior finishing for trucks and buses, supporting their prompt return to service. Within our workshop, we have the capability to repair specialized parts and panels, tailored to specific needs, using machinery vetted by leading manufacturers. From cab replacements to intricate repairs, our comprehensive approach underscores our dedication to keeping your fleet operational and safe, minimizing downtime and maximizing productivity.

For Over 40 years, Motor Accident Group has refined and perfected each and every aspect of the vehicle and truck panel beating repair process.

From humble beginnings in downtown Johannesburg and with the dedication of our exceptional staff, Motor Accident Group has established branches in Oakdene, Edenvale, Pretoria and of course, our head office in Selby

With the backing of major motor manufacturers, we continue to provide our loyal clients with the same service and dedication we have been known for all these years including many more to come. In this age of fast paced technology, Motor Accident Group continues to enhance the panel beating industry adhering to and employing the latest methods from around the world.

Read more about us:
www.motoraccidentgroup.co.za

You can expect to work with a business that is willing to adapt to your needs, a business that will engage with you to learn about your unique requirements and who is prepared to make changes to the way we do things to accommodate your requirements where we can.

Research shows that companies leading the way in IT cost optimisation and innovation are twice as likely as others to see an improved return on investment (50% versus 26%), report higher profitability (35% versus 23%), and faster time to market (43% versus 26%).

The new study, conducted by an independent global research firm, investigates IT cost management and innovation best practices for mid-market companies. It polled organisations in 12 countries and across six industry sectors in North and Latin America, Europe and the Middle East, and the Asia-Pacific region.

Survey respondents were classified into three categories — Optimised Innovators, Aspiring Innovators, and Initiating Innovators — based on their reported levels of progress in optimising IT costs and building a modern IT foundation.

While 48% of executives at mid-sized companies lack the budget or are unsure they have the budget to fund the next round of innovation, Optimised Innovators apply seven best practices to achieve results:

• • Building a modern IT platform. Optimised Innovators are well ahead of other companies in installing a modern IT foundation for driving ongoing cost optimisation and innovation.
  
• • Investing in key digital initiatives. Over the next two years, Optimised Innovators plan to significantly outspend other companies on critical technologies. The gaps were most evident for spending in network security, automation, and cloud and SaaS management.
  
• • Prioritising data security and privacy. Optimised Innovators use nearly every cybersecurity solution more often than others.
  
• • Building a cloud-based infrastructure. More than two-thirds have made significant progress in building a cloud-based infrastructure, and more than half have moved their apps to the cloud and migrated core processes. A similar percentage have established governance, compliance, and security policies. Over the next two years they plan to have 70% of their software applications and workloads in the cloud, as well as 56% of their custom applications.
  
• • Closing the AI gap and moving ahead with adoption strategies to automate processes, improve decision-making, internal processes and customer engagement. 84% are at mid- or advanced levels of using AI for internal processes and 71% for customer engagement.
  
• • Developing a GenAI first-mover advantage. Optimised Innovators are nearly twice as likely as others to be at mid- or advanced implementation of GenAI for internal purposes and are considerably further ahead for customer engagement.
  
• • Mastering the practice of IT cost management. Optimised Innovators are ahead of their peers across nearly all areas of cost management, having made significant progress in monitoring and cutting operational, software licensing, and IT infrastructure costs. Over the next two years, Optimised Innovators expect to make the most progress in sustainability, aligning FinOps with sustainability practices to optimise resource usage, reduce waste, and cut energy costs.
  

“Aligning the business benefits of innovation investments with opportunities to strategically optimise IT estates is critical to success. Our study suggests that there is a clear opportunity for companies to optimise to innovate,” says Oliver Berchtold, president of software and cloud at SoftwareOne.

“Having defined innovation priorities that drive business outcomes, companies can have a more informed understanding of their IT landscape with an end-goal in mind. This includes analysing software licenses, cloud environments and custom applications to identify areas for optimisation.

“This process will free up resources to invest where it matters most to the business, whether it be GenAI adoption, security solutions, or accelerated cloud transformation. Bringing these opportunities into reach serves as a catalyst for growth.”

Nicole Daniel

Absa drives
efficiency for businesses

Puma takes aim at
Compact SUV Segment

Sliding into the racy new Ford Puma for the first time, I was struck by an immediate sense that this vehicle is going to take to the highly competitive compact SUV segment by storm–ticking a lot of the right boxes.

From its rounded sporty looks and baby Aston Martin DB9 like front grille, the Puma is a bit of a head turner for the un-initiated. Everything about the car screams build quality, from the door handles to the sunroof and handling, this package works rather nicely.

One downside of the sloped rear boot is a slight reduction in storage space for taller items. You still get 456 litres to fill, with a clever storage feature to compensate for the slope.

The vehicle is suited for smaller families, couples and singles. Larger families will run out of space and are better suited to a mid-sized SUV like the Territory if you like Ford, which I’m reviewing shortly.

The Puma would also make an excellent company car, with an award-winning fuel efficient 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine, producing 92kw, at around 7 litres per 100km economy, making it reasonably powered and economical for the size.

Big in Europe

This vehicle has become a firm favourite in the compact SUV segment in Europe thanks to its charismatic styling cues, including distinctive wing-top-mounted headlamps and athletic, aerodynamic lines.

Under the skin, the compact crossover proportions deliver a raised ride height for a confidence-enhancing driving experience. I’d expect an AWD version of this would perform well on gravel, with a reasonable amount of clearance at 164mm.

Luxury on demand

This is complemented by an extensive range of high-end features. These include a large fully digital instrument cluster, wireless charging, premium B&O sound system, lumbar massage seats, powered tailgate, sport suspension, Selectable Drive Modes and advanced driver assistance technologies (depending on model).

“The Ford Puma is a sophisticated urban compact SUV that combines a sporty design matched to exceptional interior functionality and unsurpassed connected technology to meet the demands of dynamic young individuals and professionals,” says Doreen Mashinini, General Manager for Marketing at Ford South Africa.

“As a new addition to our local line-up, the Puma builds on Ford’s reputation for producing trend-setting sports utility vehicles. It will capitalize on the rapidly growing and very competitive SUV segment, and the compact crossover category in particular, which has become immensely popular,” Mashinini says. “The Puma has been a huge success in Europe, and we are delighted that this model is now available to our South African customers.”

Under the hood

“Our 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine has already proven that fuel efficiency and performance can go hand-in-hand. As a three-time International Engine of the Year, and five-time winner of the sub-1-litre category, it’s a superb package that is perfectly suited to the Puma,” Mashinini says.

The 1.0L three-cylinder EcoBoost engine is common to both derivatives of the Puma. It produces 92kW of power at 6 000 r/min matched to 170Nm of torque across a broad range from 1 500 to 4 500 r/min. The Puma range starts off with the Titanium, which features unique black-machined 17-inch alloy wheels, and chrome elements for the grille, side skirts and fog lamps. The rear diffuser and skid plate are finished in metallic grey, and the window surrounds in high gloss black.

Inside, Puma Titanium is offered with a leather-trimmed steering wheel, wood-effect appliques for the cluster bezel and instrument panel, and distinctive fabric inserts for the door interiors.The sporty Puma ST-Line Vignale is offered with black 18-inch machined alloy wheels and a sports suspension. Price wise, the Ford Puma Titanium starts at R573,500, while the ST-Line Vignale begins at R617,500.

All in all, it’s a compelling package. If it proves to be a reliable cat, you can expect the Puma to eat into this lucrative segment of the SUV market.

Overall rating: 9/10, until the next time, happy motoring.

Gregory Simpson